On March 18th, President Trump signed an executive order to comprehensively reform the national disaster response mechanism in the United States. This order aims to empower states and local governments to lead disaster relief efforts and reduce the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The executive order enhances the roles of states and municipal governments in preparing for and responding to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. It streamlines federal functions to make it easier for local governments to collaborate with the federal government.
The order states that with capable, accessible, and effective federal government support, allowing states, local governments, and even individuals to manage disaster preparedness would be the most efficient way. Taxpayers would also benefit when states have the authority to make wise choices regarding infrastructure.
Furthermore, investments made by various states and local governments in preparing for risks ranging from wildfires to hurricanes and cyber-attacks will enhance national security.
This decree also references the National Resilience Strategy, shifting the nation’s disaster response strategy towards ensuring critical infrastructure can withstand catastrophic events rather than just sharing information.
The order mandates a review of all infrastructure, continuity, and preparedness and response policies to ensure alignment with the National Resilience Strategy. This includes comprehensive reform and updating of national disaster policies and streamlining federal functions to make it easier for states and communities to cooperate.
In January of this year, President Trump, while visiting residents of Asheville, North Carolina, hit by Hurricane Helene, criticized FEMA’s response as a complete failure. He expressed belief that the state would have done a better job if it had managed the situation.
“When you have an issue like this, I think you want to take care of it—whether it’s a Democratic or Republican governor, you want your state to handle it,” President Trump said. “I think we’re going to recommend that FEMA move out, that we just [give money] directly—we pay a percentage to the state government, and the state government should fix it.”
Subsequently, Trump ordered a review of FEMA without shutting down the primary institution responsible for disaster response in the United States.
A White House official stated that the latest executive order does not aim to shut down FEMA.